Harvard Square Attractions
Discover the Best Things to Do in Harvard Square, Downtown Boston & Beyond
Nestled between Harvard University and the Charles River, Harvard Square Hotel has one of the most coveted addresses in Cambridge. Whether you want to explore the museums in downtown Boston, attend an event at Harvard University, walk the historic Freedom Trail or enjoy the shops and cafes in Harvard Square, the best things to see and do in Harvard Square are moments from our doorstep.
Not sure where to start? Our friendly staff is happy to recommend the best local things to do, or you can browse a list of the area’s top destinations below. Cambridge Visitor Information Center is another wonderful source of information for all Harvard Square has to offer.
Book a memorable stay in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts at Harvard Square Hotel.
Dating back to 1634, Boston Common is the oldest park in the United States. Over the years it has served as a field for grazing livestock and a venue for public hangings.
Located five miles from the hotel in Science Park, the Museum of Science is home to more than 700 interactive exhibits, over 100 live animals and the only domed IMAX screen in New England.
Located a 15-minute drive from the hotel, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a charming shopping and dining area next to the waterfront in Boston.
Planning a special meal? The Harvard Faculty Club is a local favorite for elegant lunches, dinners and Sunday brunches.
Visit one of downtown Boston’s most famous shopping and dining strips. Newbury Street is home to salons, art galleries, bars and fabulous restaurants – all housed within eight blocks of quaint 19th century buildings.
Located a nine-minute walk from the hotel, the Fogg Museum is the oldest art museum on Harvard University’s campus.
The Museum of Fine Arts houses nearly 450,000 works of art and is one of the most comprehensive art museums on earth.
Considered the historic center of Cambridge, Harvard Square is a vibrant neighborhood filled with boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, theaters and street performers.
Located 15 minutes from Harvard Square, this 2.5-mile trail boasts 16 sites pertaining to the Revolutionary War.
Situated a 12-minute walk from the hotel, Harvard’s Museum of Natural History boasts an impressive collection of fossils, minerals, gems and glass models of plants.
Located a 12-minute drive from the hotel, the Isabella Gardner Museum houses an impressive art collection with culturally significant pieces from ancient Rome, Medieval Europe, Renaissance Italy, Asia, the Islamic world, France and America.
Located a five-minute walk from the hotel, Harvard Yard is the central green space of Harvard University.
Founded by Harvard students in 1882, the Harvard Coop is an impressive four-story bookstore that is a must-see in Cambridge.
Boston Commons
Dating back to 1634, Boston Common is the oldest park in the United States. Over the years it has served as a field for grazing livestock and a venue for public hangings.
Museum of Science
Located five miles from the hotel in Science Park, the Museum of Science is home to more than 700 interactive exhibits, over 100 live animals and the only domed IMAX screen in New England.
Faneuil Marketplace
Located a 15-minute drive from the hotel, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a charming shopping and dining area next to the waterfront in Boston.
Harvard Faculty Club
Planning a special meal? The Harvard Faculty Club is a local favorite for elegant lunches, dinners and Sunday brunches.
Newbury Street
Visit one of downtown Boston’s most famous shopping and dining strips. Newbury Street is home to salons, art galleries, bars and fabulous restaurants – all housed within eight blocks of quaint 19th century buildings.
Harvard Fogg Museum
Located a nine-minute walk from the hotel, the Fogg Museum is the oldest art museum on Harvard University’s campus.
Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts houses nearly 450,000 works of art and is one of the most comprehensive art museums on earth.
Harvard Square
Considered the historic center of Cambridge, Harvard Square is a vibrant neighborhood filled with boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, theaters and street performers.
Freedom Trail
Located 15 minutes from Harvard Square, this 2.5-mile trail boasts 16 sites pertaining to the Revolutionary War.
Museum of Natural History
Situated a 12-minute walk from the hotel, Harvard’s Museum of Natural History boasts an impressive collection of fossils, minerals, gems and glass models of plants.
Isabella Steward Gardner Museum
Located a 12-minute drive from the hotel, the Isabella Gardner Museum houses an impressive art collection with culturally significant pieces from ancient Rome, Medieval Europe, Renaissance Italy, Asia, the Islamic world, France and America.
Harvard Yard
Located a five-minute walk from the hotel, Harvard Yard is the central green space of Harvard University.
Harvard Coop
Founded by Harvard students in 1882, the Harvard Coop is an impressive four-story bookstore that is a must-see in Cambridge.